ECPMF Condemns Detention of French Journalists by Israeli Authorities

June 18, 2025 – France/Israel – 

The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) has strongly condemned the detention of two French journalists by Israeli authorities after they were seized aboard the Madleen, a vessel from the Gaza-bound “Freedom Flotilla.” The incident occurred during the night of June 8–9, 2025, when Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters. Journalists Yanis Mhamdi (Blast) and Omar Faiad (Al Jazeera) were among those detained while covering the humanitarian mission intended to deliver aid to Gaza.

ECPMF expressed deep concern over the violation of press freedom, calling the detentions unacceptable and contrary to international legal standards that protect journalists, particularly during times of conflict. “The right to report is not optional—it is protected under international law,” the organization stated, urging Israeli authorities to immediately release the journalists and ensure media workers can operate safely and without interference.

The detention has drawn sharp criticism from other press freedom organizations as well. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also called for the journalists’ immediate release, warning that continued intimidation of reporters undermines public access to independent, frontline information. The incident is part of a troubling pattern of obstructions faced by journalists covering the war in Gaza.

ECPMF emphasized that the European Union and its member states must publicly defend the rights of journalists and apply diplomatic pressure on Israel to respect international norms. The organization warned that silencing or detaining reporters not only endangers their safety but threatens transparency, truth-telling, and accountability in a highly volatile conflict.

The journalists’ detention comes amid heightened global scrutiny of how information about the Gaza conflict is controlled and presented. With much of the international press already limited in access to Gaza, such arrests further restrict independent reporting from the region.

ECPMF continues to monitor the situation and calls on Israel to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, ensuring that journalists can report freely, even in war zones. Their release is seen as a test of Israel’s commitment to press freedom amid escalating conflict.

Reference – 

ECPMF Condemns Detention of French Journalists by Israeli Authorities